personal preference

To me a motorcycle with a duffle bag bungeed to the rear seat is one of the most beautiful sights. I don't care what brand, what style, or even origin of manufacture, any bike ready to go out and ride for a trip is my kind of ride. Short trips-maybe a few days, or a real ride, 3-4 weeks, and when loaded just have a special appeal to me. The call of the road, the quest for adventure, and the freedom it represents get all my senses going into overload. Nothing else compares, except maybe my dog's affection to walking. Mention the word, and she is awake and ready. And all walks are good to her...just as getting on the road is good for me. Maybe that is why dog is man's best friend.

Simple is good when travelling, and we have over the years learned to pack light. We don't need to carry extra parts-today's bikes don't break, and the 2013 Tiger Explorer I am currently riding has shaft drive-no chain to worry about, tubeless tires-no tubes to go bad, a tire can be plugged with less hassle, and even has a ride by wire throttle-no cable to break or bind. So why aren't we out riding more? Less time packing means more time riding.

I marvel at what many riders take on a trip. Bags, trunks, and more bags bungeed to the top trunk. Even little accessory bags tied to forks, or any place else they can be fit. Using the idiom that there is no place like home, they take as much home with them as they can. I travelled to Canada with a guy once who took all the Harley parts he could stuff in his bags, including oil, just in case they didn't have any there. Guess what things he never needed to unpack? But I guess it gave him a sense of security...all the way down to a tool kit, and first aid kit! His only problem on the trip, a muffler style hose clamp, a $1 item bought along the way. He never thought to pack one, I guess. But yet we go out everyday, with a preset list for our daily journey, or routine, taking along what we think we will need to get by. Be prepared the Boy Scout motto says, but can we be over prepared, or wrongly prepared? Bruce had all the essentials, he thought, but still had to visit a dealer. And borrow a nut driver. I carried no tools, and had no problems. Go figure....

Today many packing lists consist of a cell phone, credit card, and AAA card. No dimes needed for phone calls, no tool kits. Nothing left to fix-and if it does, you need to be towed to a dealer. So why worry...enjoy the ride. And we pack for 4 day intervals, no matter the distance or time frame. And what you don't carry can be readily bought at a Wal-Mart, more accessible than many McDonald's along the road any more. And so we set out, hoping we are prepared, but never quite knowing until a situation arises...if only I had brought such and such. Or maybe if you had just stayed home...perish the thought!

Where God guides He provides we have heard over the years. And despite all the fund raisers, telethons, book sales, special offerings and the like, we find a false hope in God. "If I get the finances, I can go on that missions trip," we hear. And send out letters to those who have less money, when they should go directly to God. If He wants you to go, no amount of fund raising will help. If He gave you the vision, He will fulfill it. Or don't we remember Jesus telling His disciples to take no money, just what you have on you. God will provide a place to stay, food to eat, and all your needs along the way. Better than AAA! But yet we go out on our own, and fail. Blaming God, if only He had known. When really it is if only we had trusted, then obeyed. And if it works with touring, just imagine how it can work with such mundane events as daily life?

So trust God. If you aren't you are trusting someone or something else. Years ago a couple lost everything in a fire, including money hidden in their home. "We planned for a rainy day, but not a fiery night," he explained. We buy insurance, hoping we never get sick and have to use it. We buy extended warrantees, hoping to never use them. Yet we turn from God, hoping we never have to use Him. And when we do, then advising Him on how to handle the situation. Presenting out case to Him, bragging on why He should help out, and the time frame. Forgetting He already knows, and knew what was going to happen, and has the solution worked out. ALL things work to good for those who love Him...not just the pleasant things. ALL!

Over the years, and miles, I have found Him better than any insurance policy. He even prevents things from happening-remember Him next time you stop just in time. He has provided shops to open when closed, free meals, help when needed, and held things together until we noticed the problem. He keeps His word, do you keep His? Today ask Him what to take with you, He already knows what you need. Travel light, without the clutter of worry or sin. And don't go alone, take Him with you. You may find Jesus loves to ride, He spent most of His ministry on the road, and never had a worry about packing, money, or food to eat. Turn to Jesus and keep your eyes on the road, and all around you, without fear or worry.

If Adam had never sinned, imagine how different the ride would be today. In Jesus, you don't have to wonder. My personal preference for travelling is Jesus. What's yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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how will you know when you get there if you don't know where you're going

The few times while riding with someone who had a GPS and they led, we got lost. At least as far as they were concerned, but I was OK, I still had gas, and a few times just decided to change destinations. Avoiding the "I'm lost" cliff. There is a reason they tell you to arrive with a full tank. Years ago when we were younger and moved to Durango, we were invited to a Jaycee picnic. We decided to go to meet new people, and followed the directions given. When we came to a fork in the road, we took it, just not the right fork. And we ended up 27 miles out of or way at Vallecito Lake. A road and also a destination we might not have taken, based on time, gas in tank, other plans, or just not in the mood to go there. But it turned out to be a blessing, as months later we moved there. A beautiful area, 8300' altitude in the middle of a national forest, with only 72 residents on 22 miles of shoreline. Whether you blame it on poor directions, poor following, or lack of a GPS in those pre-GPS days, we were blessed to just follow the road. Discovering we really didn't want to go to that picnic after all. And that God had something better for us.

We have taken many trips like that over the years. Following roads just to see where they go, all without the benefit of GPS, or a map. It upsets me when I hear the stereotype that men don't ask for directions-I don't because I like to go new places, and I'm not afraid to. What's your excuse? And what is your result? Where you end up is based on where you were going, or where you go. Or who you go with, or better yet follow. We don't do group rides either, I call them crowd rides. You quickly find out most do not know how to ride, and can hide that fact when riding with their unskilled peer group. The best example we were ever part of was a group ride with Torches Across America, joining up with 3200 others on 9-11 to go into NYC, past ground zero, the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, then a feed and ceremony in Brooklyn. A great ride, exceptionally safe and well organized until the leader took a sign that said "Brooklyn." Our destination was Brooklyn, but we were going via the Holland Tunnel, the other fork in the road, that the Port Authority police had shut down for us. Wrong turn, and for an hour while the police tried to shut down the tunnel again, over 18 miles of motorcycles sat and waited. We did eventually make it to Brooklyn. All without the help of a GPS!

"Ride your own ride," we tell people. It is safer, and can be more exciting at the same time. Be yourself was the old 60-70's cry, a today many of us still try to be ourselves. But too many do not allow Christ in their lives the same luxury. While we are busy trying to find ourselves, we put Jesus in a box, or on a GPS. Not allowing Him to ride His own ride, which is much better than any we may be on. Restricting Him and not allowing Him to fully bless us. Too many have become entombed in religion-which means bound by, and know when to sit or stand based on denominational tradition, but don't know Jesus. Ever been told no when inviting someone to church? Wonder why? And in this season of many CEO's-Christmas and Easter only Christians, no wonder they feel uncomfortable. I gotta dress up-OK by the girls, ties are a burden to me. We have to act pious-what church do you go to? And we feel guilty if we don't put money in the offering-others are watching and we want to appear Christian. What stupid teaching did you adhere to? Rather than going to church, be reminded we are the church. Look at your life-why would I want to be like you? Let alone spend my free time with you and others like you? Where is the freedom Jesus speaks of, yet all your church does is tell me all the rules-spoken or worse yet, implied. They try to exercise being themselves, but yet do not allow Jesus the same freedom-the same one who died so they could be free! And you still wonder....which makes me wonder, and why I don't do many church visits anymore. How many of you would sign up to spend a weekend in jail-voluntarily, yet sign up to be bound up by religion? I love the freedom of knowing Jesus, of setting off knowing He is with me. He guides, and leads, and prepares a way, and if I get off of it or miss a turn, He is still there. He never left me, but often I leave Him. He know s not only the way, but the way back. It takes a commitment to follow, not just when it is convenient, but when it isn't. Faith is great, but only when it leads to evidence-remember faith is evidence of things not seen. Obedience is the sum total of faith...so why don't many allow Jesus to lead? They trust a GPS, poor directions, religious dogma, and Oprah rather than Jesus. Nostradamus was a great prophet, but not one of God. If alive in Biblical times he would have been stoned-either you were 100% or dead. Only those of God made the short list.

So rather than follow a computer-GPS, when you should or could be looking at the road, follow the ultimate GPS, God's Perfect Son! Let Him out of the box, and into your heart. Enjoy the freedom in the spirit, instead of the futility and burden of religion. Allow Jesus to be who He is in your life, and go down roads otherwise passed by. Take the fork in the road, sit at the counter and eat. Stand up and sing at church, and tell others about Him. Let the fruit of the spirit shine from within you, and maybe rather than asking, others will be asking to go with you...to church! You can keep your rules, I will keep my freedom. You can have your religion, I'll stick with Jesus. For whether in a group or alone, you are never alone with Him. Come to think of it, maybe I have been group riding with Him and never fully enjoyed it...just think, even more freedom of the road in Christ. Now what real biker would say no to that?

Quick, answer me, what has the law or legalism or religion added to your freedom? And you wonder why I rather follow Jesus? What GPS are you following? If you weren't ever lost, you never would have to be found...So this Christmas, when opening boxes, open one and let Jesus out. Enjoy a gift that keeps on giving. You see, there's this road I know...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

and some day when I settle down, all my friends will be around

The Eagles sang "I might live my life upon the road, just trying to add to what I know.." and over the years we have added many miles, meals, friendships, and experiences to what we know. Some friends we only see once a year, planning our journey around them, and some we see once every few years. But as change is a constant in every life, so many changes have happened this year, and the past few that so will our travel plans. From places to eat closing, old roads being replaced or rerouted, and old friends moving on, or moving out, many places will have a different persona when revisited again.

In a year of surprises, our next visit with some will be much different. We miss Mary FNY this Christmas season, as for the past few years she has been our companion. And the perfect hostess when we visited her in Long Beach, NY, two summers ago. But all has changed in her life-first a grand daughter who will keep her closer to home. But she is now without a home to go to, as Sandy has wiped her out among many others. Her Suzuki and Mustang towed away, victims. And as we think of her, we are reminded of thousands like her...and we will miss her, and hope to be guests in her home again soon.

Scotch Plains will be different on the next visit. My Dad died in May, and after years of it not being my house anymore, it was referred to as my parents. now we call it my Mother's, and this Christmas will be her first without her husband. Somehow it will be different without him there, her best friend of over 61 years gone. And one less reason for me to go to Scotch Plains...mostly memories now...and the new neighbors wouldn't know who I am anyway.

Andrew has lost friends again this year, at way too young an age. And I think of his best friend Cole many times, almost 5 years now. He was a tough, crazy kid who loved to ride. But who always gave me a hug, and was not ever embarrassed to tell me he loved me in public. He used to call me "Prayer Man" and once told me I was the only one besides his aunt who could make him cry. His tears with me were always from the heart, a bigger man than any of his friends could imagine.

Durango will never be the same to me after this summer. After being life flighted, Dal took Theresa to Albuquerque, a short 250 mile drive, and came down to see her, reminding me "I'm only here for her," and it was the right thing to do. Love will do that. At 76 he has been without his love, Ann for over 8 years now, and talked of girl friends-now he is remarried and living in Texas, where he is from. Only Dean remains in Durango, and he is more than enough reason to return. So Texas will be on our next long trip, to see Dal and the new Mrs., and Dana and her family, and Warren and his. Friends for over 30 years, when we go years between visits, we just pick up where we left off. Friends can do that-just be themselves. And all of these were, are, and continue to be my friends. I will also add Don Wurth, Sr. to that list. Jacob's grandpa, and Donnie's Dad. Although I knew him very little, I still have a great affection and respect for him. I know Donnie misses him, but will carry on and assist his mom as needed. Families do that for each other-they can be friends too!

A lesson Job would learn. After being verbally accosted and accused by his friends, Job fired back at them. All they could see was his sin, not God at all. But Job knew God, so could ask them "have you ever questioned those who travel, have you paid no attention to their accounts?" Job 21:29. Trying to help, but not helping at all. Causing more pain, and pushing the limits of friendship. Men coming to see him from afar, but who should have stayed home. But recorded here for our benefit, so we don't follow them in their footsteps.

The Eagles also sang "and some day when I settle down, all my friends will be around... "And I hope you are, for the greatest lesson I learned this summer was you have no choice in when or where, or even how you will die. I should have, but didn't, that's God's grace. I was with Jesus while alive in the spirit, and can't wait until I am again. I want to go back to that time and be with Him. But until I do, when He says so, I have many more miles, and many more friends to make. And places to go that I would never expect. Me, life flighted? I never would have even imagined that! So when God talks of heaven, "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of God," it means here on earth for us too. We can enjoy all that he has for us while alive. Some will die, refusing Him, and hell awaits them. The sad thing is they didn't have to, their is no rescue from salvation, only from sin. Jesus came to rescue us from it, to be redeemed. God sends no one to hell-it is their choice. And if you choose to deny Him here, He will honor your request in heaven-He doesn't push Himself on anyone.

If you are reading this, and have said yes to Jesus, heaven awaits. If not, choose Him today. He is merciful, loving, and forgiving-and patient that none should perish. I want all my friends to be around.

Don't wait until an helicopter ride interrupts your ride, or your vacation. I tell people Jesus rides with me, and I am glad He was with me this summer. At home or on the road-don't leave earth without Him! All my friends, and that includes you-Jesus hopes you are around. And so do I...forever.

Puts a whole new perspective on my travel accounts doesn't it? Now do I have your attention? Does Jesus? Let's ride!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no rainbow without the rain

The novelty of rain has once again embraced So Cal, changing, altering, and cancelling our plans. Despite the fact that the weatherman told us it would rain, I am still always taken by surprise when it really does. And as the rain beats down on our roof, and the under watered vegetation gets a good soaking, I will have to review my plans, and go in the car. Unlike many of you who ride when the weather is perfect, but still take the car anyway, we ride. And until it doesn't make sense to ride locally for errands, we will seek alternative transportation, aka the car. In it I will be treated to such luxuries as a climate controlled cabin, wipers, a stereo, and somehow stay dry and disconnected from the same roads I ride daily. I will have to go slower, cannot use the commuter lane alone, and no lane splitting in the car. It will take over $40 of gas to get me where $15 would on any of my motorcycles, and no helmet head to boast of later. No packages bungeed to the seat, no convenient up front parking, and no one to wave back to-I'm in a car. No one waves in cars. Maybe now you can get it when we call them a cage. No wind in my face, no great smells past the bakery, no thrills in the corners. Tucked into the security of 4-doors and a windshield I will go about my business today. Or as far as $40 of gas will get me.

When planning a trip I always figure the cost of gas. At 40-45 mpg on the Tiger, I can travel almost 600 miles a day on the same costs of gas that will take me 150 today. Over a period of a couple of weeks, that's real money. The difference between an over priced Happy Meal and supersizing it. More money, more food, less nutrition. More fast food, and less sit down mad being waited on. Less of "let's go back and check that out," and more of how far to the nearest gas station. But today will be errands, mostly for Christmas, so maybe the rain will help buffer the fact I would need to drive instead of ride anyway. After all it is the Christmas season, some concessions can be made. And my rides will be safe and warm in the garage when I get home. Sad faced, like the dog when she gets left behind for a walk, but ready for the nice weather tomorrow.

And then there is the guy selling umbrellas and raincoats. The car detailers whose business will also boom a few days after the rain stops, so all is not as gloomy as the weather looks. But also those who live in the desert welcome the rain, as do most farmers. They will tell you that nothing beats rain for irrigation, there are nutrients and elements to rainwater that our tap water cannot duplicate. So today while riding in a cage, I will be thankful for the cage, and for the blessings the rain will bring. I only wish it would only happen while I'm asleep at night. For the sun also has its benefits.

God tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. You figure out which you are. Either way you get wet, and dry out after it is over. And I reflect on Mary and those I know back in Long Island and Jersey, who have suffered through, and continue to suffer after Sandy. So many good people, who lost everything, and so many who will never fully recover. But the same God that allowed the rain is also the same God who sends the sun. And who sent His only son, Jesus, to make the way back to Him. I'm not sure why, but it takes a storm to bring us closer, or back to God. The bigger the storm, the more to lose-but also the most to gain. And He knows that, so allows them, even sometimes sends them into our lives. And just how He allows and provides cars and rain suits for those of us who ride, He provides shelter to those who need it. But you must listen to Him. And as a society we feel the need to reach out, name a topic, there is a ride, fund raiser, or some sort of concert going on for the victims. But as we saw first hand in Joplin, one-to-one ministry is most effective. And God knows that in all of our situations, which is why in love He reaches out to us. He is the rain to the farmer, and the sun to the flood victims. He is calm in the storm, keeping us safe. A strong tower, He is called. His grace is sufficient-not too much, not too little, not early, not late. But you must take His offer, or suffer. Which is why so many suffer more than they have too, He has provided a way out via Jesus-when it is so simple, why do so many still say no? Or worse yet, accuse Him and turn against Him?

In the midst of your storm today turn to Jesus. He is there to help, in a way you can't imagine. Just ask Peter, one morning at 4 am He sees Jesus walking on a stormy lake. And after falling in, calls on Him to help, and reaching out His hand Jesus pulls Him out, and immediately they are at their destination. He not only saves, but delivers us, too.

So a ride in the rain will not alter me too much. Might even do me good, as I can get my errands done. And after the rain, there is a rainbow. A sign from God of His love, and how He will never flood the earth again with rain. But it takes clouds and rain to bring the rainbow. Let all the promises of God be yours today through His promises, and bask in the light of His son, Jesus. As for me, wow-I get to ride in the car today! Safe in the ark that God has provided-only Noah will ever appreciate seeing the sun more again. Whether you see His son is up to you. Sonshine with showers-God has our scenery set.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

lights 4 Laiken-chapter 2012

Our afternoon started out heading for the Mission Inn in Riverside. An historic hotel, they decorate like no other for Christmas, and seeing it at night was wonderful. Far from the self seeking mall crowds, we sat and ate dinner on the outside mall, and as it got darker, the lights came on. A Festival of Lights they call it, and it was. On this Tuesday night two weeks before Christmas, it was not over run with people yet, but soon would be. Every window, nook, cranny, or whatever was decorated, from 6' nutcrackers to dancing penguins to Santa on a 4th floor chimney. It was neat, and on this 70 degree afternoon, we watched as they unloaded reindeer, and even in the warmth of the day, it would not have been a surprise if it had started to snow. A wonderful time and place, one I was blessed to be part of. And traditional Christmas music filled the air...it's the most wonderful time of the year.

But our real festival of lights was later, as we were going to the annual Lights 4 Laiken party that her mom, Stacy, and dad Jim throw every year. A very special time to remember a very special girl. Every year I marvel as Stacy somehow outdoes herself, and this year was no disappointment. Over 200 people of all ages were there, and as always the street was blocked off. Tables filled with cookies and hot chocolate. Chino city police cars with flashing lights, and even a police truck pulling a sleigh with Santa, loaded with kids. Playing Christmas songs, the way it oughta be. Led by a motor cop-ahh, Christmas in So Cal is so different. We had our picture taken in the picture booth and visited friends we only see once a year. A special time, Christmas time. But as my heart reminds me, it's really Jesustime!

But this year was even more special for me. I will be here to spend it with my family. I almost wasn't. And as I watched Theresa and Stacy visit and talk, I was touched at how they both had much in common. Stacy had endured years with Laiken's sickness, and spent so much time in hospitals. She had endured a private agony that only God could relieve, and my wife had endured the same with me this summer. I thought of Laiken in ICU, alone with the doctors and nurses, and I thought of my 20 days in Cardiac Critical Care. I thought of times with Stacy and crying together with her. Touched by a little girl I hardly knew, but knew wonderfully. Finally God told Laiken, "from now on you can call my house home," and she went to be with him almost five years ago. And I could see the pain and love of Stacy for Laiken, how she misses her, and reflects on the good times. Knowing someday she will see her again. And how much my wife loved me. How I am still here to hug and hold, and to comfort her. And in love annoy...Truly there is no better feeling than being loved...only a mom or a wife can fully know. Somehow they know without words even being exchanged. God has given them that special insight, that only comes from knowing Jesus. I watched blessed. And so we rejoice that we know Jesus, but it is even more special that He knows us-He even knows our name! How cool is that?

And so as I made my way to the table to get my latest Laiken Christmas ornament, her photo graced the table. And as I thought of past L4L, I thought of the first year, and helping those getting hot chocolate by filling their mouths with whipped cream, and soon we had emptied many cans in fun. Not much ever made it into the chocolate. Fun like Laiken had. I thought of the young girl last year who wouldn't sit on Santa's lap, not knowing it was her own dad. And crying and screaming not knowing his voice. And as I looked around, those who were 4 or 5 then, are 10 now. Laiken's classmates are now 18, almost out school, driving and have girlfriends and boyfriends. I could see Laiken among them. I also noted so many younger ones, Abigail's age, who was born in August after Laiken went home. The little sister she had always wanted-I can see here in her shirt saying I am the big sister. And the many who come out of love for Jim and Stacy. Knowing about Laiken, but never getting the chance to meet her. And I felt special, fighting tears as I looked at Laiken's photo. Such a pretty little girl, and I knew her. She was my friend. But the smile, the joy I left with was because Laiken knew me. Ask yourself-now how cool is that?

Merry Christmas to all-and a most joyous Jesustime!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

In God we trust, all others use bank cards

As kid I was excited at the back of the magazines. This is where the advertisements would be for all the neat things you would want to put on your first car or motorcycle-provided you could wait until the teen years to attain one. These ads would promise a free catalog and a decal-in these pre-sticker days, and all you had to do was send in a quarter, carefully taped over the round quarter sized image on the form, put it in an envelope, put on a 4 cent stamp, and then wait the weeks for your prize to arrive. But what to put your sticker on? Dad's Rambler? One time I ended up putting a Cheerful Charlie Speed Shop sticker on his VW-the only thing cool about any VW as far as I could tell, and which elevated my 12 year old status among my friends, wow, your Dad is cool. Oh, the good old days.

I remember decorating my walls with 24x36 prints from Plymouth-full color of their performance cars, Road Runner, Barracuda, etc, with cartoon drawings of the real cartoon road runner on them and the likes. All for that 25 cent handling charge. Why did I ever get rid of them? How about the cut away views of Indy and Formula One race cars I got from Shell, same price. Only a young fool would have thrown them out, no old fools in that department I hope. Hooker Header stickers, Bell Helmet, the wicked woodpecker of Clay Smith Cams, and those Powered by Ford blue decals-all so cool, and all used up, tore off, and thrown away. All for 25 cents plus a stamp-maybe the best 30 cents a kid could spend, better than three Archie comics with Betty and Veronica! Well, each one had its benefits, let's see, how about B and V on in a Road Runner? Wearing a Bell Helmet t-shirt? Help, I fell those teen hormones kicking in!

But the ad I never responded too, never read it either, was the one of urban legend status. It read "last chance to send in your dollar!" then gave a PO box somewhere. The legend goes on to tell that this one act made millions for its author based upon the greed of those who read it and responded. Last chance for what? And a whole dollar? That would come right out of my sticker fund? No way-anyway the legend would be repeated next month, in case you missed it this month. But to me the best deal for my quarter was in Cycle magazine, where for 25 cents I could circle all the ad numbers I wanted and get mucho ads and decals. With only a little fudging of info asked, yes I'm over 21, I own this many and brands of motorcycles, and will be buying a new one within 30 days. Now...get them decals coming! Which explains why so many of my Cycle magazine collection is missing part of that page-oh if I only had something to show for it now.

A quarter used to be a lot of money, and money used to talk. Remember how impressed you were when some guy would pull out a wad of cash? No more, as things, and times have changed. Years ago my friend Ted wanted to buy a Wendy's franchise, so he called them up. When he asked how much, they weren't concerned about how much cash he had in the bank, but were more interested in his credit line. So he referred them to his dad, who was president of the bank they owned. How much credit did he need? When we moved west and wanted to buy a home, we had worked hard to pay off everything, no car payments, all credit card balances zero, and had saved some cash. Which all backfired when we applied, it seems they want you to have outstanding credit, it shows you pay your bills on time, and we were advised to go buy a car or use the credit cards. And you wonder where we went wrong economically? No longer was cash king, your FICA score talked, and soon it wasn't what you had, but what you could borrow that was important. And no one sent in quarters any more for stickers. And Cycle magazine went away, a victim of the times.

God tells us to owe no man nothing. It is not so much the payment He has trouble with, it is the debt that ruins relationships He emphasizes. For whoever you owe money to has power over you, or you have power over them. He tells it is better to give it as a gift and forget about it than to be a lender or borrower. Which I learned when I lent money to my best friend once to buy a house, and soon he missed payment by a few days, and we both knew it. And it created friction, not so much between us, but when his wife's ego was damaged because of it, we soon lost our great relationship. And the two friends went separate ways. And I was out of over $2000! Lesson learned, maybe God does know something about finances.

And so He warns us not to fall prey to those who beg for money on TV and then promise monetary rewards. "Send in a seed faith donation, and God will reward you." If you really wanted the blessing, aka the money they promised, set up such a deal yourself! But just as Jesus warns of these types, so many still fall prey to them. It seems the poor are the worst, and are taken advantage of more often. Why would you trust a man who needs money from you to be rich when you can go to God directly who is? Whose credit line is without limit, who pays in cash, doesn't need a credit card, or debit card, and meets all your needs? He doesn't even have a checking account, based on today's economy, would you lend to Him? Figure in how His son Jesus never even owned property and had no place of His own, would you cash His check?

But yet so many sign up for what He can do monetarily, not what He has done to give us life. He forgives, try that with your bank. "Sorry MasterCard, I need food this month." Credit may get you out of a hole, but it also will get you into a hole. So give the Master Charge of your life. Give instead of loaning, and become a debtor to no man. Always buy the first round as the crowd only gets larger, and give hilariously, wanting to not being forced to. For 25 cents we got a great deal, but as we get older we want more and more expensive things. Start with Jesus, and He'll provide. After the gift of eternal life, notice I said gift, you can't earn it or buy it, everything else loses it value. You cannot buy your way into heaven, but you can send riches ahead-so give!

A sticker in the late 60's at A&P, a grocery chain now bankrupt, said "Optical illusion, 100 cents = $1." What illusion are you living under today? The things that are seen are temporal, the things not seen are eternal. In God I trust, all others use bank cards. What's in your wallet? It may tell us more of what is in your heart than you want us to know.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when I'm 64...

In my quest yesterday to find something other than a retired NFL player giving me his input on the recent NFL player tragedies, I found solace in the Biography Channel, chronicling Led Zeppelin. Seems whoever made this documentary loved them very much, and repeated more than once how they were the best band in the world. He never revealed his age or sources, I wonder had he ever heard of the Rolling Stones, who turn 50 this year? The Beach Boys, same age, America's Band? How about so many other groups that shaped the 50's and 60's, and dominate Classic Rock today? How can he not even mention the Beatles, arguably the best and most influential, but never show up on lists as they are not worthy of them-they flat out are the best-#1 on a list of their own. You makes yer choices, and you takes yer chances. But as I watched recent footage of Robert Plant, the question no one has the courage to ask, "what does it take to make Keith Richard look good?" was answered. Like too many of my generation, you could tell the effects of too many parties, too many drugs, and the shrines made to Jack Daniels. He looked horrible, note to Keith-stand next to him at the next photo op-you'll look years younger, and not quite so embalmed.

Interestingly so many other superstars weathered their careers, and looked and sounded like normal businessmen, even in suits and conservative haircuts. You would never guess who they were or what they had done. In their late sixties, or early seventies, they still looked presentable, and could form words into a sentence-what did Robert just say? Sadly his once sexy blond locks now looked like a matted mess-arranged to cover the too many wrinkles-Dazed and Confused, Robert? And how many of us have uttered the famous words, "if I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself." State's example 1 and 2.

But on any list, there are some who make it, some who are overlooked, and some who are listed that never should have been. Hey, it's their list, you make your own. So reading through a list last week of best motorcycle racers from the golden age of racing, 50-80's, I found the list to include many I would have. But the order was a bit out of my order, and when Kenny Roberts, Malcolm Smith, and Freddie Spencer were 23, 24, and 25 respectively, I wondered what could this man have been thinking? King Kenny? Who would have put Cal Rayborn all the way down at 14? And I started to question the list and even more the man's criteria, until it dawned on me-they were in alphabetical order! Like wake up Mike and pay attention. No wonder the best were low down on the list-their names didn't lend them the criteria to gain a top spot. No mention was made of the alphabetical priorities, but when I saw it, it all made sense, as far as the listings. Many great names and memories gone, and not all recorded on tape, as they made their name on the track and not the studio, so any still shots or home movies we see of them are not quite album cover ready. But maybe that just helps stir the memories better...

I was in ninth grade at Terrill Jr. High when Neil Collier brought in the first Led Zeppelin album. He worked in AV, past home of today's computer geeks, and had set it up to listen on headphones...and also in the pre-media center library-WOW! No one ever sounded like this-and the louder the better, which finally someone ratted us out to Mr. Addessa, our attitude to the library changed forever. Rock and roll it was! And they don't sound the same remixed or digitally sanitized-you need the crackly speakers, and the wow and flutter of an old turntable-even the album cover was used for sinister purposes back then. Try all that on a CD, too clean and they just don't sound like we remembered them. And so it goes with racers too, as many limp along from race crashes and too many years of riding crouched over-the only thing they all have in common is they would all do it over again given the chance. Somehow old racers look like old racers, maybe the old Dodge van with the BELL Helmet stickers give them away...

Often times after sharing my testimony, I am asked the same question, would you do it all over again? And yes I would, even knowing the pain and disappointments of life. Don't even have to think it over, YES! You see it was the hard times that brought me closer to Jesus, to know Him better-not just know about Him. When sick He was and still is my great physician. Without Him how would we have raised a family on our incomes? How would we have gotten over the pain of betrayal without Him standing with us, He knows all about betrayal. And it is the good times we enjoyed because of His mercy and grace, and times spent enjoying long rides and great meals together. Things that if we had to make a list couldn't, it would take too long, and no way I could prioritize them. Knowing Jesus is like that...just like He said, no library could ever hold all the things He had done, is doing, and will do. Each one of us is part of His library, a personal volume telling all about us, with one interesting part left out-our pre-Jesus sin. For just like the faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews, where all these are mentioned, none of their sin is. And reading about them in the Old Testament, these were some pretty rough dudes. Murders, whores, thieves, and the like-the difference being Jesus. And I wouldn't want to risk saying no to Him!

How would your list read? Sit down and write down all the things important to you in the order you think of them. Then put then in the right order, and pray over them. Jesus, family, church, ministry...yours may vary. But without Jesus first anything else is just a list and not a praise report. Family next-without taking care of them you are worse than an infidel. You do the rest. And let me know, share some testimonies.

These are the good old days...classic if you will. Spend some time with Jesus tonight and add to them. It's ok if some sound better on CD, just don't neglect the old 45's. Old songs like old racers seem to go on forever...only in Jesus will we. Limping into the future beats not getting there at all...Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com